Chapter 4

I got up early in the morning to 'hunt' the Gemini Lycans. I tossed my suitcase into the back of the truck before turning to load the motorcycles onto the truck's bed. Brenda approached me as I pinned the bikes down with a chain.

"Did you tell Gary anything?" She asked. I shook my head as she sighed with relief.

As Jason took a file from Gary, I smiled. I was curious what Brenda would do if she found out I was one of the big bad Lycans they were hunting. I climbed into the passenger seat and shut the door. I sat there, waiting for Jason to get into the car.

"Are you prepared?" Jason inquired and I nodded. The truth was that I was never going to be ready to start looking for my brother, but it was the only way to find him. Finding him puts him in danger, but he's in even more danger without me.

We drove all night before stopping in New Orleans.

"Why are we coming to a halt?" I inquired as he exited.

"He's been here before," Jason said as I jumped out of the car, holding a magical knife.

If necessary, I would snap Jason's neck to save my brother.

"Do you think they're dangerous, Jason?" I inquired softly, hoping to ascertain his thoughts for any suspicion.

"I don't care, I'm just doing my job," he said, tying my stomach in knots.

"It matters to me," I stated emphatically. "I'd want a good reason if they told me to kill you."

"However, since we don't know how the Gemini Lycans behave, does it really matter?" He demanded, giving me a stern look. He turned and walked into a bar. I took a deep breath as I followed him inside still confused on what to do. I looked around, relieved that my brother was not present. I froze as it dawned on me that he'd be at school in the middle of the day. I was excused from school because my parents taught me.

"Do you know a boy named Scott, Miss? You remind me of a kid I used to know" the bartender inquired. When I looked over, I noticed Jason walking into the back hallway.

"How old is he?" I inquired. "What happened to him?"

"He moved to California with his parents," said the bartender.

"No, I don't think I know him," I lied before following Jason's lead. I discovered him

in the rear parking lot. He quickly turned to face me.

"It's an old trail," he said as I nodded.

"And now where?" I asked, my heart racing at the prospect of him being unable to locate my brother.

"We should figure out who used to come here and try to track them down by name," he said as he walked back inside. I hurried to catch up in the hopes that the bartender wouldn't say anything.

"Are you back?" As I smiled, the bartender said.

"Couldn't stay away," I smirked as Jason approached.

"We're looking for a young boy who used to come here frequently but no longer does. Do you know anyone who might fit into that description?" Eric inquired as I bit my lower lip.

"There's Scott Donald in San Diego, California, and Fred Stevens in Dallas, Texas," the bartender explained, putting me at ease.

"Thank you, sir," I said politely as Jason walked away. I watched him get into the car.

"Now that we're closer to Texas, we should go there," he said as I nodded.

"Makes sense," I said, my heart pounding. He planned on searching Dallas while my brother is safe in San Diego. "How will we find him in Dallas?" I inquired softly.

"Don't worry, we'll take care of it," he said as I held the knife. I looked at the blade, knowing that one poke could reveal my identity. It could also take my brother's life once we find him. I considered a million ways to save my brother, all of which resulted in my killing Jason, who appeared to be a soldier following blindly. "Do you want a penny for your thoughts?"

"You'd need more than a penny for my thoughts," I joked before burst laughing.

"Come on beautiful, I don't bite unless there's a full moon to stir me up," he said as I turned to face him. I took a deep breath, ready to lay it all out there, and felt the truth bubble up.

"I was just thinking about my mom," I explained, unable to tell the truth. It was difficult to be honest when being honest could lead to death.

"I lost my mother in a fight with another pack," Jason explained as he took my hand in his. "I'm always available if you want to talk at any time." My breath caught up in my chest as I looked into his gorgeous eyes. As I felt the crackle of passion between us, my mouth parted slightly.

Things were about to get more complicated. I felt a connection to Jason, but I quickly averted my gaze, a flush spreading across my cheeks. I was hoping it was just a stupid crush. In an effort to protect my brother, I pushed Jason out of my mind.

"Are you starving?" He inquired politely.

"Stop here," I said, pointing to a small restaurant. We exited and began walking toward the building. Jason rushed forward to open the door for me. "Thanks." We took a seat across from each other at a table in the corner. I took a look at the menu and found my favorite, chocolate chip pancakes.

"Can I get you something?" The waiter gave me a friendly smile.

"Chocolate chip pancakes with a glass of milk," I suggested before turning to face Jason.

"A bacon cheeseburger with French fries and a cup of coffee," he said cheerfully as we handed over our menus. I sat there looking around. "Is there something wrong, Laura?"

"No why?" Looking up into his eyes, I inquired. I felt myself becoming engrossed in them.

"There is nothing wrong. You can't even look me in the eyes " he said.

"I like you a lot!" I screamed a little too loudly.

"I like you as well, so what's the problem?" He laughed as my insides fought each other.

"It complicates things," I said, my eyes welling up with tears.

"Why?" As I sighed, he inquired.

"I'm not sure," I said as the food arrived. We sat in silence and ate our meals. What was I supposed to do now?